MEXICO: National insecurity affects tourism

Mexico tourism success disregards rising violence

OXFORD ANALYTICA – Rising insecurity in tourist hubs is yet to put off visitors to Mexico, which keeps climbing in global tourism rankings

OutlookTourists are rarely targeted by armed groups but as insecurity increases, more visitors are likely to become caught up in violence, generating bad publicity and encouraging foreign governments to strengthen travel warnings to citizens.

President Enrique Pena Nieto’s government shows no sign of bringing violence under control; increased militarisation of policing has proven ineffective and with less than a year left in office, fresh security initiatives are unlikely.

Tourism looks set for another healthy year, but should violence start affecting tourists directly, it will begin to weigh on visitor numbers. Until then, the success of the sector will encourage extortion and could see more crime groups formalise their activities, laundering money through hotels, restaurants and other enterprises in the hospitality sector.